Judge Waldrip began his legal career in the Trial Department of Rutan & Tucker, Orange Country's largest local-based firm. He left as a senior partner to become General Counsel for a healthcare company. Shortly thereafter, he opened his own small firm, the Law Offices of Stuart T. Waldrip, APC. There, he was a successful business and professional liability litigator for 16 years before being appointed to the Orange County Superior Court in 1996.
Before being appointed to the Court, Judge Waldrip served regularly for many years as a judge pro tempore, presiding over hundreds of settlement conferences and other judicial proceedings. During his career, he received many honors and awards, including being President of the Orange County Bar Association and receiving the Franklin G. West Award, its highest honor. In 1991 he was inducted as a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers.
With over 45 years of experience as a successful litigator and jurist, Judge Waldrip has a reputation as an even-tempered, fair-minded, very capable jurist with a talent for bringing opposing sides together. His final assignment before retiring from the Court was as a member of the elite Complex Civil Litigation Panel, which he helped organize. He presided over complex construction, insurance, class action, condemnation, business, intellectual property, and other large and difficult civil cases. Most of these cases were resolved by settlement with Judge Waldrip's help. Now, as one of the senior neutrals at Judicate West, he has a passion for helping others resolve their disputes with the patience, firmness, experience, and understanding that makes him the ideal neutral.
As one prominent litigator, now a judge observed: "As a lawyer and a judge, Stu Waldrip was second to none in the respect he earned from his colleagues.... impeccable integrity, a keen intellect, a commanding presence, and a way with people that produces results." Another litigator and managing partner of a major law firm commented, after a successful mediation: " He couldn't have done a better job in a tough case, and I couldn't recommend him more highly."
Below is a sampling of the various matters Hon. Stuart T. Waldrip, Ret. presided over on the bench, tried as an attorney, or handled as a neutral.
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Golf, Skiing, Fly Fishing, Scuba Diving
Speaks fluent Spanish and German
"I would like to express my appreciation for Judge Waldrip's skill and professionalism as a mediator. He did an outstanding job at settling a complex and hotly litigated case headed for trial. I look forward to working with him again in the future."
- Attorney, Orange County, California
"Judge Waldrip arrived at mediation with a solid grasp of the facts and the issues at hand. Though I think one of the parties was very difficult and came to the table with unreasonable expectations, Waldrip was able to guide them to a reasonable outcome. I was impressed with how direct and patient he was during the whole process. Further, I was happy he was willing to see the settlement through to the end and participated in the drafting/discussion of the settlement agreement. "
- Attorney on a Real Estate Neighbor Dispute Case
"This was a complicated case because there were different parties involving multiple leases, an eviction, and property damage claims. Despite the challenges and personalities, Judge Waldrip stayed with the case, worked late, and helped the parties get the case resolved. I look forward to working with Judge Waldrip in the future."
- Attorney on a Real Property Breach of Contract case
"He listened, kept all parties at the table until deal was done. He stayed until 2:30 am to sign binding agreement."
- Attorney on a Probate Matter
"Judge Waldrip was polite, methodical, formal and followed the traditional methods of mediation. His stature helped successfully resolved the case."
- Attorney, Orange County, California
"I am impressed with Judge Waldrip's tenacity to put together a settlement for a difficult and complex case. I appreciate the effort he expended and look forward to working with him again."
- Attorney, Orange County, California
"I really appreciated Judge Walrdip’s approach and dedication to the settlement process. It was an honor to have him as mediator. "
- Attorney on a Real Estate Neighbor Dispute Case
"Judge Waldrip did a good job. I believe his yeoman efforts kept the parties at the table longer than a less effective mediator would have."
- Attorney on a Real Property Transaction case
601 S. Figueroa
Suite 3400
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: 213.223.1113
Fax : 213.223.1114
980 9th Street
Suite 2200
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916.394.8490
Fax : 916.394.8495
402 W. Broadway
Suite 2400
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619.814.1966
Fax : 619.814.1967
1851 East First Street
Suite 1600
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: 714.834.1340
Fax : 714.834.1344
1925 Century Park East
Suite 1700
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Phone: 800.488.8805
Fax :
2023.6.1.2rp
